What is
the Business Enterprise Program (BEP)?Business Enterprise Program is a program that allows blind individuals the opportunity to become
a food service or vending operator. This program is administered by the
Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. It is similar to a
franchise. Our franchise rules are state and federal rules and
regulations which provide guidelines for administration of the program,
as well as benefits for the operators, that are not found in private
business.

The BE Program in Idaho has grown from two locations in
1970 to twenty-two locations in 1998. Most of the expansion occurred
during the 1980's. With the economic growth in Idaho, the future for BEP looks bright.
Originally, the program was established to provide food service or gift shop
type service in public buildings. Idaho, as well as several other states,
has expanded outside the "norm" to include other types of businesses.

OperatorsThe operators are
considered self-employed. The ICBVI does not subsidize these businesses. We
provide the equipment necessary to operate the business and provide the
initial inventory for one week. After that, they are on their own with
on-going supervision available from the ICBVI supervisor of the Business
Enterprise Program.

BenefitsBenefits for BEP operators include medical
insurance, life insurance, and a retirement plan. The program also provides
the opportunity for continual management growth and further training for all
operators.

Transfer and PromotionThe transfer and promotion policy allows an
operator to move from one location to another. This provides an opportunity
for personal, management, and monetary growth.

When a location becomes available, operators are given an
opportunity to bid on the site and interview for the opening. A three-member
panel evaluates each operator on the basis of his/her skills and experience,
and selects the most qualified person for the position. The training and
continuing education provided by the program assists operators in their
employment goals.

When an operator leaves a location, he/she must leave the
equivalent dollar amount of product to cover the cost of his/her initial
inventory.

PrinciplesThe Business Enterprise Program contends that all aspects in
the current curriculum are necessary for any business, not just cafeterias.
The fundamentals of business are the same whether selling a candy bar or a
steak. One has to understand wholesale and retail costs, merchandising and
display, and food cost and portion control.

The Business Enterprise Program believes it is just as important to promote
yourself as it is to promote your business. And, it's just as important to
promote your cafeteria as it is to promote your vending machine business. It
is important to get to know your customer's names, likes, needs, wants, and
dislikes in any business no matter the product or service you are selling.

We do not expect any less skill and attitude from blind
people in our Business Enterprise Program than we expect from a sighted
person in a similar business.

If you or someone you know might
benefit from the services of the ICBVI Business Enterprise Program, contact
Corey Bresina, Business Enterprise
Program Specialist, at 334-3220 or 1-800-542-8688.